Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton feels that his runner-up finish at 2026 Monaco Grand Prix is “really encouraging” for the team.
Hamilton benefitted from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen suffering a power unit failure off the line at the race start to climb to second, which he proceeded to control until the checkered flag behind race winner and his Mercedes successor, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The result meant that Hamilton now sits second in the drivers’ championship and 66 points behind Antonelli, whilst he equalled Ayrton Senna’s record of eight Monaco GP podiums as he returned to the rostrum for the first time since he won on the streets of the principality in 2019.
Hamilton consequently was pleased to be back on the podium after a comfortable race despite a late-race red flag due to asphalt issues at Anthony Noghes, of which his teammate – Charles Leclerc was one of two drivers to crash out as a consequence.
“It’s great to be back on the podium in Monaco and to finish in P2 for the second race in a row and to be able to share it with Kimi for his first win here.
“This race is always one of the toughest of the season and today’s conditions made it even more challenging, so finishing in second is a really encouraging result and just shows the momentum we are building as a team.”
Although he is now Antonelli’s nearest title challenger, Hamilton is just focused on improving his Ferrari car in order to fight for victories.
“We are continuing to make solid progress and I’m grateful for the work everyone is putting in, both here at the track and back in Maranello. There’s still a step to make before we can consistently fight for victories, but I know we will keep pushing hard to get there.”
Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur echoed Hamilton’s “positive” sentiments as he expressed pride at the seven-time champion’s recent improvements.
“We have to stay positive because, overall, this has been another strong weekend for us. Lewis secured his second consecutive podium and I think he achieved the maximum that was available with our package today.
“Over the last few races we have seen him growing in confidence and feeling more comfortable in the car, which is encouraging and reflects the progress we are making as a team.”
Vasseur added that Ferrari must focus on themselves and not think about a title challenge as F1 heads to Barcelona, Spain, across this coming weekend of 12-14 June.
“We need to keep our focus on ourselves, continue working hard and maximise every opportunity. The mood within the team is positive, the direction is the right one and we have another opportunity in just a few days’ time to keep moving forward.”
Leave a Reply